At their one-man live at Akasaka BLITZ, LEZARD announced the release of their first full length album, Tokagetchu, on July 15. The album consists of six brand new tracks written exclusively for this album and will release in two versions: Iiko version and Waruiko version. Iiko version comes with a DVD with the PV, offshot, and 9 caligraphy videos while the Waruiko version comes with two additional original songs plus 5 bonus tracks of previously released singles.

Another cool new release that I’m super excited for, Litchi Hikari Club‘s Jesus Christ Hyperstar is slated for a July 29 release. It will appear in two versions, one with a DVD and the other CD only. The tracklisting hasn’t been revealed yet, but I’m sure it will be awesome. And check out that Hakuei. Geesh.

A couple of cool release announcements via YouTube this weekend, starting with Nihilizm. Their latest full length album, aguere, releases October 28. They also announced a commemorative tour consisting of four shows, the final being held on November 25 at Takadanobaba AREA. Check the homepage for venues and details.

I’ll just go ahead and plug my ears in preparation for all the screaming associated with this one. The Gazette has finally released details on the first movement of their Project: Dark Age, DOGMA. The album will, of course, come in a massive three disk edition which includes a 14 track CD and two DVDs containing the PV for the title track and DEUX, documentary and making of footage. The album drops August 26 and that big version comes in at a whopping 10,800yen, so save your pennies, folks.

On the tour front, we have MIYAVI with a European tour commemorating his latest release, The Others. The tour starts September 27 in London, includes 12 stops, and ends in Helsinki, Finland on October 16. I’m really hoping this evolves into a more inclusive world tour. Check the homepage for venues and ticketing information.

VAMPS will also be gracing Europe this fall as they join Apocolyptica on their Shadowmaker tour. The tour starts November 24 and includes 6 stops throughout the UK. Check the OHP for ticketing information.

Unfortunately, we just can’t get through a week without a couple of sucks. This week, we start with the disbandment of BLITZ. The group will disband after their performance on November 7 at Shinjuku BLAZE. Though no real reason has been given, you can find the groups individual comments over at their OHP. They have a ton of lives left before the end, so be sure to continue supporting them until the last.

Next is the sudden and quick disbandment of Escapism. Just announced, the group will call it quits after their upcoming live this Thursday at Holiday Shinjuku. In their official statement, they cite musical differences as the reasoning and assure you there is no ill will amongst the members. I’m sure fans of Escapism will feel a little blindsided by this news, but we wish them all the best and hope to see the members again in future projects.

Here’s a New Band Alert that had me squealing. Dir en grey guitarist, Die, has jumped on the bandwagon and started a solo project called DECAYS. There’s not a whole lot of information on it yet, but he does already have a handful of shows scheduled in July and August with Sukekiyo and FAKE?. Make sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on any future developments.

GALEYD, a year after their hiatus, is officially calling it quits. It’s not much of a surprise, but heartbreaking nonetheless for their fans that have been patiently waiting. They do plan to hold a final live in 2015, but the date and venue are not yet set. We’ll be sure to keep you posted. Until then, you can find drummer, Nikky, rocking out with ALSDEAD, so go show him your support!

BAWDIES have announced their tour final at Nippon Budokan. The event will be held on March 29 and will mark the end of their “Boys!” tour. Pre-sale tickets are already up via their mobile site and general sale starts January 31st.

Announced in this month’s MEN’S KNUCKLE (that has got to be the worst name for a magazine ever), 109 Men’s will be collaborating with Janne de Arc vocalist Yasu’s solo project, Acid Black Cherry. These two have worked together before in February 2012 and this will mark the first time the building will work with the same artist twice. The front of 109 Men’s is already draped with Yasu’s image, so if you’re in Shibuya, be sure to stop by.

So, here’s a shock. Rising stars vNeu announced their disbandment earlier this week. Their statement was brief and no reasoning was given, only that their 5th Anniversary tour final on December 29 at Shibuya Koukaido will be their last live together.

So, you guys know I’m excited about Kuroyuri to Kage, right? Well, it seems they’ve finally announced the details on their first single. Titled, [Yokusou][Gesshoku][Misui], the three track Maxi single will release December 3 in two versions. My wallet should consider itself warned.

Have you guys heard DADAROMA yet? Stop what you’re doing right now and go listen. Seriously. DADAROMA is the new band fronted by ex-Crazy Shampoo vocalist Yoshiatsu. I’m not a Crazy Shampoo fan myself, but their video showed up on my Facebook feed and I was just blown away. It’s dark and violent and reminds me of all the great bands I got hooked on in the early 2000’s. The full PV for Oboreru Sakana is up on their official YouTube page, so go check it out.

And a live announcement that just reached me this morning. MIYAVI will be performing live at El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on December 14. Pre-sale started on November 2 and continue through November 5. Visit the event page and use the password “MIYAVI” to get tickets.

And it starts. Brand spanking new band Liraizo is holding their first ever live internet broadcast, Liraizo Himitsu Housou Club, on October 30. In case you missed it, Liraizo is a new project made up of ex-AND Eccentric Agent guitarist Kili and drummer Suzune, ex-Screw bassist Yuutoman, ex-Mix Speaker’s vocalist Yuki and ex-Circus guitarist Toma. The broadcast will air on Music Japan Plus starting at 20:00 JST and is sure to full of fun stuff, so set your alarms (that’s really effin early in the morning where I am) and check it out.

Speaking of Mix Speaker’s, Inc. (kind of), guess who got a new vocalist! It’s just been announced that ex-MoNoLith vocalist, Keita, will be joining the ranks as their second vocalist. I can hear our fearless leader, Lizz, jumping for joy. Now going by the name NIKA, he will officially debut at their live on December 7.

As if Gackt couldn’t get any cheesier (I mean, seriously, did you see that body pillow?), he has just released his own dating sim game inspired by his song, PS I LOVE U. The ap, available both on iTunes and Google Play, features Gackt himself and has fifteen available storylines which vary depending on your choices in the game. So…that’s cool…I guess.

Bad news for fans of Avanchik. It seems guitarist Yoshito has suddenly decided to break with the band. Judging by members comments, kindly translated by our friends over at Shattered Tranquility, it looks like Yoshito just didn’t have the skill or drive to keep up with the rest of the members and thought it best to just walk away. His departure is effective immediately and Avanchik will continue as a four-member band from here on.

Oh! I almost forgot! Check out the latest trailer for Miyavi’s upcoming film, Unbroken. This trailer reveals a little more of his intense performance as the horrible POW prison guard known only as ‘The Bird.” Unbroken hits theaters in the US on December 26.

IT’S GOING TO BE A HEADBANGIN, TABLE-FLIPPING, BODY-MOSHING KIND OF TIME on the next Shibuya Crossing. First, we look back at the music of CROSSFAITH, Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas and an all new track by ONE OK ROCK that everyone’s been talking about – all on our opening setlist.

After that, we turn the dial up to some good old rock and roll as we play the music of multi-talented neo-samurai guitarist and musician 雅-MIYAVI- on our Artist Spotlight. PLUS – If you happen to be or will be in the Montreal area, this week is your last chance to win free passes to the 2014 Fantasia International Film Festival! Tweet the show @shibuya1690 for your chance to win! We’ll be talking some of the best (and worst) films that screened this past weekend during the show.

And finally we check out some overseas J-Rock inspired artists, look over the week’s music charts and gather all of the news that’s fit to spew, digest and chew! All on Episode 037 of Shibuya Crossing. From CJLO 1690AM in Montreal.

LOST ASH has just announced a three month FREE one-man concert series. That’s not a typo. “Get to Know LOST ASH” will take place September 19, October 17 and November 21 at Shibuya REX. Entrance is totally free. No gimmicks. Well, except for that pesky drink fee. No getting around that, I’m afraid.

Old-school rockers BUCK TICK have announced their fall tour which will take them all over Japan through the month of November, ending at Zepp Tokyo on December 14. They will be touring behind their most recent release, Arui wa Anarchy, which is (warning: f-bomb ahead) FUCKING amazing, by the way. If you are in Japan during this time, I highly recommend you see this show. And, I also hate you. A lot.

Girl group Gacharic Spin just announced their major label debut with the release of their album titled “Gachatto BEST 2010-2014” on October 1. They announced via Nico Nico live on July 24th that they will be releasing their next album via Victor Records. That’s exciting news for these girls and we wish them the best of luck!

I’ll wind up this Quickie with three very cool upcoming releases, starting with:

Litchi Hikari Club. In case you aren’t familiar, Lichi Hikari Club is a concept band based on the manga of the same name fronted by Penicillin frontman Hakuei. Their new mini-album, Kikikaikai, is slated to release August 13 and will be available in three types. This band is very cool and I have thoroughly enjoyed everything they’ve released so far, so I’m really looking forward to this.

Speaking of Penicillin, they have a new single coming out, too! It is as yet untitled and details are limited, but I can tell you it will be released in three types, with two songs each, and is scheduled for September 10. Pre-order here!

Also releasing September 10 is Miyavi’s new single. No tile yet on this one, either, but you can expect three songs coming in around 1300 yen. Miyavi has been known to change up his style on the fly and the past couple of years have seen him go from bare-bones guitar and drums numbers to dj-infused electronic tracks to straight up R&B, so I’m really curious to see where he goes with this one. Disco, maybe?